The best Nigerian football players to play in the Premier League

The Premier League is home to some of the best football players on the planet. With the likes of Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, Mohammed Salah just to name a few. Each nation tends to have a crop of players playing in England’s top division each season, where we see these players flourish and grow into superstars.

 

One nation that comes to mind is Nigeria, an extremely passionate footballing nation in Africa, who have blessed fans in England for years with their players. From fan favourites to world class players, Nigeria has given us some of the most joyful moments in the history of the premier league. 

 

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In this article, we’ll be looking at the best Nigerian football players to lace up their boots in the Premier League. 

 

1.    Jay Jay Okocha

 

So good they named him twice, that’s what the Bolton Wanderers fans said about Jay Jay Okocha. Arguably Nigeria’s most skilful ever player, Okocha swapped the wonderful city of Paris for the cold nights in Bolton. It didn’t appear to affect him though as Okocha became an instant hit and a fan favourite throughout the league. 

 

He played 145 times for Bolton scoring 18 times, then moving to Hull City, playing 19 times but failing to score. He also made 75 appearances for the Nigeria national team scoring 15 times.

 

Adored by the fans for his flair and excitement, although he wasn’t prolific, his magic with the ball at his feet made up for it.

 

Victor Moses

 

A true utility man for a number of clubs, Victor Moses was arguably what fans would call one of the best of the rest. Originally came to peoples attention whilst playing for Crystal Palace in the Championship, Moses earned a move to Wigan athletic. Following some stellar performances, he earned a move to Premier League giants Chelsea. During his time at Chelsea, he went on loan spells to the likes of Liverpool and stoke, where he almost won the league with Liverpool in 2014.

 

With his time at Chelsea, he won the Premier League, the Uefa Europa League twice and the FA cup. He also famously won the African Cup of Nations with Nigeria in 2013, putting his name in Nigeria’s history books.

 

John Obi Mikel

 

Another Chelsea legend, Jon Obi Mikel is arguably one of the most underrated players of the Premier League era. Obi Mikel was at Chelsea for over eleven years following signing for them in 2006, making 372 appearances in that time. He won the Premier League twice in 2010 and 2015, the Champions League in 2012, the Europa League in 2013, four FA cups and two League cups. Just like Moses, he was also part of the Nigeria squad that won the African Cup of Nations in 2013.

 

A true powerhouse in the middle of the park, Mikel was known for his brilliant defensive displays, consistency and always being available as he only missed 17 games due to injury in his whole time with Chelsea. 

 

Yakubu

 

A true description of the phrase fan favourite, Yakubu won the hearts of not only his clubs fans, but throughout the country. Playing for the likes of Portsmouth, Blackburn Rovers, Everton, Leicester City and Middlesborough, Yakubu won over the fans of each club he joined.

 

Playing over 250 times in the Premier League, scoring 95 goals, Yakubu was a lethal finisher who bullied defenders week in week out with his strength, power and pace ensured defenders had a torrid time each time they lined up against him.

 

Kanu 

 

One of the most decorated players in Nigeria’s history and part of the infamous Arsenal Invincible season, Kanu is a true legend of the game. Ranked in the top 15 for all time Arsenal players, he also lined up for the likes of West Bromwich Albion and Portsmouth and was an instant hit.

 

Kanu won the Premier League twice with Arsenal in 2002 and 2004, won three FA cups, two with Arsenal and one with Portsmouth. He also won a gold medal for Nigeria at the 1996 Olympics and was crowned Nigeria player of the year in 1996 whilst playing for Arsenal.

 

Nigeria have always had stellar players playing in England’s top division, and this doesn’t appear to be changing with the new crop of young stars making their way into first team regulars, it’s only a matter of time before there’s a new group of players on this list. 

 

It’s clear players from Nigeria have a way of connecting with the fans and cementing themselves as stars of the game.

 

 

 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel